Dishwasher won't turn on or start a programme? Step by step
Before you decide the electronics have died, check the simple things: the breaker, the socket, the button lock and the delayed start. They often block the dishwasher.
- Most common cause
- lock, delayed start or door not closed
- Time
- 10–20 minutes
- Repair shop
- 270–950 zł depending on the part
Don't take the control panel apart. If you smell burning or the breaker trips, unplug the dishwasher and don't turn it on again.
Step by step
Check the power
Check the breaker in the fuse box and plug another appliance into the same socket. A built-in dishwasher often has a separate switch in the cabinet.
Close the door until it clicks
The programme won't start with the door ajar. Check the racks and the latch.
Turn off the button lock
A padlock or key on the panel means the child lock is on. You usually remove it by holding the indicated button for 3–5 seconds. You'll find the combination in the manual.
Check the delayed start
If a time is counting down on the display, the dishwasher is waiting to start. Cancel the delay or wait.
Reset the dishwasher
Unplug it for 10–15 minutes. Many models also have a reset using the Start button or a button combination described in the manual.
Note the error code
If the dishwasher shows a code, write it down and look it up in our error code database. Many codes mean inlet, drain or filter, things you can deal with yourself.
- the breaker trips or you smell burning
- the panel is completely dead even though the socket works
- the error code comes back after a reset and after checking the filter and water
- the dishwasher has been flooded from below
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Control module replacement | 540–1200 zł |
| Button panel replacement | 340–680 zł |
| Door latch replacement | 240–480 zł |
| Call-out and diagnosis | 140–270 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
If it's the lock, the door or a delayed start, the fix costs 0 zł. Replacing the module in a dishwasher older than 8–10 years often costs more than half the price of a new one, so work out whether it pays off.
Check whether repairing your dishwasher pays off
Pick your model and fault. In 2 minutes we show the repair cost, what the device is worth and an honest verdict.
Open the calculator →FAQ
Why won't my dishwasher start when I press Start?
Most often because the door isn't fully closed, the button lock is on or a delayed start is set.
How do I reset a dishwasher?
Unplug it for 10–15 minutes. Some models have a button reset described in the manual.
Is it worth repairing the control module?
In a dishwasher younger than 6–7 years, usually yes. In an older one, compare the cost with a new dishwasher.